5 Tips for Successfully Working From Home

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Happy Monday! Only two days until Valentine’s Day, so be sure and get all of your shopping done. I wrote a blog on what to wear and what to gift here. Many of you have transitioned to working from home over the last few years, so I thought I would share my tips for working from home. As a full-time influencer/blogger, my job has always been work from home, so I have over 10 years of tips to share with you!

5 Tips for Successfully Working From Home

You might think that I am an extrovert because I am out and about so much to discover new content to share. The reality is that my job is done with me working from my home office, which causes me to be a bit of an introvert. Laura comes in two times a week and my photographer, Sarah, comes weekly, so I still do much of my work alone in my office. Since I have years of experience, I’m sharing five simple tips for working from home to make your routine successful.

Lay out a plan: Know how you work and work that way. I use the strategy: “Lay a plan and work your plan.” I do the same for myself in my work plan. That includes having an organized work space with specific work hours. This requires a bit of self-discipline, but it’s the only way to get things done.
Break up your day: I love being alone and working from the comfort and quiet of my own home. It’s something I never want to give up. But too much alone time can take its toll, so making time for coffee with brands and lunch with friends is a must. Even getting out and walking the dogs for a quick break can be a nice change of pace. Also check out my tips for surviving the homebody lifestyle for more advice on how to not go stir crazy. Having Laura here several days a week also breaks up the monotony.
Work smarter, not harder: Most of us will find ourselves in various meetings throughout the week, so I always have a set agenda for those meetings. This keeps me organized and helps keep the meeting on task. Also, if you can have some control over your schedule, I would really recommend limiting the amount of meetings you have each week. I used to stack my meetings so I would knock them all out in one day. I have changed my thinking on that because days filled with meetings are draining and nothing else gets done. Now, I spread the 2-3 meetings out throughout the week and find I am much more productive. Most of my work can be done via e-mail and phone calls/zoom and it keeps everyone on task.
Network: Whether it’s via emails, coffee dates, or small social gatherings, focus on building a friendship. If you are invited to a networking opportunity, be sure to attend. It’s the hardest part. Once you are there, you will find conversations and new opportunities to connect with people. It’s also a great way to break up your daily grind.
Dress for success: Even if you do not plan on seeing anyone that day, get up and get dressed! You will be more alert and productive if you get out of your pajamas. For a day that I am solely working from home, I will dress more comfortable and casual. This cardigan (size S), leggings and sneakers look that I’m wearing above is a great WFH and errands look. Shop more cute work looks from dressy to casual below.